Malaysia Wants ASEAN To Review Noninterference Policy
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AHN) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations must review its noninterference policy saying it is time to loosen up the line because it is causing the regional grouping embarrassment particularly when its member, Myanmar, continues to refuse to move toward democracy. Abdulalh made the comment in his speech to mark the 39th anniversary of the ASEAN. He said the noninterference policy in each other's affairs should be "refined" as part of the reforms under an ASEAN charter expected to be drawn up next year. He said, "Differing reactions to the political developments in Myanmar had subjected the ... principle of noninterference to much debate and discussion. Indeed that principle might require refinement." "I believe the new ASEAN Charter, which is yet to be written, is the right place to update (the principle)... ASEAN must always possess capacities to be relevant and responsive to the changing needs of its member countries." The junta-ruled Myanmar is a source of embarrassment to ASEAN because its government refuse to fulfill its commitment to restore democracy and free political prisoners including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar, formerly Burma, made the promise when it joined the ASEAN. During their annual summit in Malaysia last month, foreign ministers of |
